Lee Sentell, who has served as Alabama’s Tourism Director since 2003, retired effective Wednesday, and Glenda Allred has been named as his successor.
“Since Lee began serving at the Department of Tourism, we have grown the state’s tourism revenue from $6 billion to nearly $25 billion. Lee should certainly be commended for his passion for our state and for its many attractions,” said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. “From promoting Alabama’s pristine beaches to our award-winning food to Civil Rights history, space, outdoors and everything in between, Lee has always had a special way for sharing the many great facets of our state’s tourism industry. Thanks to his service, we have broken tourism records, supported more jobs for Alabama families and created significant and meaningful revenue for our state.”
Sentell was appointed by Gov. Bob Riley in 2003, and under his leadership, the department has run yearly campaigns spotlighting themes such as small towns, barbecue, natural wonders and birding. Currently, the department is running a campaign for Alabama’s trails.
In 2019, Tourism’s U.S. Civil Rights Trail campaign received the International Travel and Tourism Award for best regional promotion at the World Travel Market in London, making Alabama the first U.S. state tourism agency to be honored.
Allred has served as deputy state treasurer since 2011.
“I am excited to have Glenda joining the Ivey administration to lead our state’s tourism efforts,” Ivey said. “Before working in the executive branch, she had nearly two decades of private sector experience that included marketing and media relations. Glenda will be a fantastic addition to our team as we finish strong these next six months. Alabama has a lot left to tell, and I know we can continue doing that with Glenda’s leadership.”
